[Bearcat]

I think Rain Man said it best...

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...&postcount=322

Originally Posted by Rain Man

I don't actually believe that NFL games or seasons are rigged. As you say, it's too hard to do. "Hey, Vinatieri, we're going to need you to make a 48-yard field goal in the snow next week."

I do think that there are "league favorites" among the media, and that can subtly influence league management and officiating. Who was the player that Goodell urged to sign with a New York team a few years ago? And no ref wants to be the guy who didn't protect Peyton Manning or Tom Brady from a hit.

I also think that the league management roots for certain teams for marketing purposes. It gets a lot more coverage when John Elway wins a Super Bowl than Chris Chandler, so it means more dollars for the league. That's why the league picks occasional guys to market heavily (e.g., Elway, Eli Manning) even when their performance doesn't warrant that level of coverage. Does that mean the league cheats? Probably not, emphasis on probably.

My deepest conspiracy theory is that the refs could have orders to keep some games close and "give Peyton a chance to win it in the end" for marketing purposes, but I'd be hard-pressed to provide proof that it actually happens.